WO2021155197A1 - Section de condensateur adaptative pour commande de vitesse de ventilateur - Google Patents

Section de condensateur adaptative pour commande de vitesse de ventilateur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021155197A1
WO2021155197A1 PCT/US2021/015775 US2021015775W WO2021155197A1 WO 2021155197 A1 WO2021155197 A1 WO 2021155197A1 US 2021015775 W US2021015775 W US 2021015775W WO 2021155197 A1 WO2021155197 A1 WO 2021155197A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fan
fan motor
capacitor
size
controller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/015775
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Dennis TETREAULT
Nick Charles KRAUS
Original Assignee
Hubbell Incorporated
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hubbell Incorporated filed Critical Hubbell Incorporated
Priority to CN202180025386.XA priority Critical patent/CN115335606A/zh
Priority to EP21747058.2A priority patent/EP4097359A4/fr
Publication of WO2021155197A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021155197A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/004—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids by varying driving speed
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
    • F04D25/088—Ceiling fans
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B15/00—Systems controlled by a computer
    • G05B15/02—Systems controlled by a computer electric
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02P—CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS
    • H02P1/00—Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters
    • H02P1/16—Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters
    • H02P1/42—Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting an individual single-phase induction motor
    • H02P1/44—Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting an individual single-phase induction motor by phase-splitting with a capacitor
    • H02P1/445—Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting an individual single-phase induction motor by phase-splitting with a capacitor by using additional capacitors switched at start up
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02P—CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS
    • H02P25/00—Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of AC motor or by structural details
    • H02P25/16—Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of AC motor or by structural details characterised by the circuit arrangement or by the kind of wiring
    • H02P25/18—Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of AC motor or by structural details characterised by the circuit arrangement or by the kind of wiring with arrangements for switching the windings, e.g. with mechanical switches or relays
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to ceiling fans and, more particularly, fan controllers for ceiling fans.
  • Ceiling fans can include a plurality of fan blades and a fan motor.
  • the fan motor can be configured to drive rotation of the fan blades to circulate air within a space.
  • Fan controllers can be used to control operation of the fan motor.
  • the fan motor can be selectively coupled to a power source via one of or more the capacitors of the fan controller to control a speed at which the fan motor rotates. In this manner, the fan motor can operate at a plurality of different speed settings (e.g., low, medium, high).
  • a fan controller for a ceiling fan includes one or more switching devices configured to selectively couple the ceiling fan to a power source.
  • the fan controller includes a first capacitor having a first capacitance and a second capacitor having a second capacitance that is larger than the first capacitance.
  • the fan controller includes a power meter circuit and one or more control devices.
  • the one or more control devices are configured to obtain, via the power meter circuit, data indicative of electrical power a fan motor of the ceiling fan draws from the power source.
  • the one or more control devices are configured determine a size of the fan motor based on the data.
  • the one or more control devices are configured to select the first capacitor or the second capacitor as a selected capacitor based on the determined size of the fan motor.
  • the one or more control devices are configured to couple the fan motor to the power source via the selected capacitor.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a ceiling fan according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 depicts components of a ceiling fan according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of a ceiling fan according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 4 depicts a ceiling fan having input devices configured to control operation of one or more electrical loads of the ceiling fan according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 5 depicts a fan system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 6 depicts an example in-wall controller of a fan system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 7 depicts an example canopy controller of a fan system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 8 depicts fan controller circuitry associated with speed control of a fan motor of a ceiling fan according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 9 depicts configuration of the circuitry of FIG. 8 to operate the fan motor at a highest speed setting for the fan motor according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 10 depicts configuration of the circuitry of FIG. 8 to operate the fan motor at an intermediate speed setting for the fan motor according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 11 depicts configuration of the circuitry of FIG. 8 to operate the fan motor at a lowest speed setting for the fan motor according to example embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 12 depicts another configuration of the circuitry of FIG. 8 to operate the fan motor at the lowest speed setting for the fan motor according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 depicts a flow diagram of a method for selecting a capacitor of a fan controller to couple a fan motor to a power source when the fan motor is operating at a lowest speed setting of a plurality of speed settings according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Typical fan controllers for ceiling fans capacitors that can be selectively coupled to a fan motor of the ceiling fan to facilitate speed control of the fan motor. For instance, typical fan controllers couple a single capacitor to the fan motor to operate at a lowest speed setting of a plurality of speed settings for the fan motor. Furthermore, typical fan controllers select the capacitor having a small capacitance to operate the fan motor at the lowest speed setting. This approach (e.g., coupling the fan motor to the capacitor having the small capacitance) is desirable for a small fan motor.
  • Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a fan controller for ceiling fans.
  • the fan controller can include a power meter circuit.
  • the power meter circuit can be configured to monitor power consumption of a fan motor of the ceiling fan.
  • the fan controller can include a first capacitor and a second capacitor.
  • the capacitance of the second capacitor can be larger than the capacitance of the first capacitor.
  • the capacitance of the first capacitor and the capacitance of the second capacitor can each range from about 4 microfarads to about 10 microfarads.
  • the capacitance of the first capacitor can be about 5 microfarads
  • the capacitance of the second capacitor can be about 6 microfarads or about 7 microfarads.
  • first capacitor and the second capacitor can have any suitable capacitance so long as the capacitance of the second capacitor is larger than the capacitance of the first capacitor.
  • the use of the term “about” in conjunction with a numerical value is intended to refer to within 10% of the stated numerical value.
  • the fan controller can include one or more control devices.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to obtain, via the power meter circuit, data indicative of electrical power the fan motor draws from a power source of the ceiling fan.
  • the data indicative of the electrical power can include data indicative real power and/or apparent power.
  • the data indicative of the electrical power can include one or more parameters associated with the electrical power.
  • the one or more parameters can, in some implementations, include a power factor associated with the electrical power.
  • the one or more parameters can include a voltage value and/or current value.
  • the one or more control devices can be further configured to determine a size of the fan motor based, at least in part, on the data indicative of the electrical power.
  • the one or more control devices can compare an amount of electrical power the fan motor draws from the power source to a first range of values and a second range of values that is different than the first range of values.
  • the first range of values can be indicative of a first fan motor having a first size.
  • the second range of values can be indicative of a second fan motor having a second size that is different than the first size.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor). Conversely, the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) when the one or more control devices determine the amount of the electrical power the fan motor draws from the power source falls within the second range of values.
  • the first fan motor e.g., small fan motor
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) when the one or more control devices determine the amount of the electrical power the fan motor draws from the power source falls within the second range of values.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the size of the fan motor based, at least in part, on one or more parameters (e.g., power factor, current, voltage, etc.) associated with the electrical power. For instance, in such implementations, the one or more control devices can be configured to compare the one or more parameters to a first range of values and a second range of values.
  • the first range of values can be associated with the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor) having the first size.
  • the second range of values can be associated with the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) having the second size.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor) when a value associated with the one or more parameters falls within the first range of values. Conversely, the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) when the value associated with the one or more parameters falls within the second range of values.
  • the first fan motor e.g., small fan motor
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) when the value associated with the one or more parameters falls within the second range of values.
  • the one or more control devices be further configured to select the first capacitor or the second capacitor as a selected capacitor based, at least in part, on the determined size of the fan motor.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to select the first capacitor as the selected capacitor in response to the one or more control devices determining the fan motor corresponds to the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor) having the first size.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to select the second capacitor as the selected capacitor in response to the one or more control devices determining the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) having the second size that is larger than the first size.
  • the one or more control device can obtain data indicative of a user-request to operate the fan motor at the lowest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor. Furthermore, in response to obtaining the data indicative of the user- request, the one or more control devices can be configured to couple the fan motor to the selected capacitor (e.g., first capacitor or second capacitor).
  • the selected capacitor e.g., first capacitor or second capacitor
  • the power meter circuit can obtain data (e.g., power consumption data) that the one or more control devices can use to determine a size of a fan motor of a ceiling fan.
  • the fan controller can select the first capacitor or the second capacitor as the selected capacitor based, at least in part, on the determined size of the fan motor.
  • the fan motor can operate in a more efficient manner when operating at the lowest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor, because the fan motor is coupled to the power source via the selected capacitor which, as discussed above, is selected based, at least in part, on the determined size of the fan motor.
  • FIGS. 1 through 4 depict a ceiling fan 100 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the ceiling fan 100 can be removably mounted to a ceiling 110 separating a first space 112 (e.g., positioned beneath the ceiling 110) from a second space 114 (e.g., positioned above the ceiling 110).
  • the ceiling fan 100 can include a plurality of fan blades 130. As shown, each of the plurality of fan blades 130 can be coupled to a blade hub 132 of the ceiling fan 100. More specifically, each of the fan blades 130 can be coupled to the blade hub 132 via a blade arm 134 such that the fan blades 130 are spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction C. It should be appreciated that any suitable type of fastener (e.g., screw) can be used to couple the blade arm 134 to the blade hub 132 and a corresponding fan blade.
  • fastener e.g., screw
  • the ceiling fan 100 can include a fan motor 140.
  • the fan motor 140 can be configured to receive an input power from a power source (e.g., alternating current (AC) power source, direct current (DC) power source) for the ceiling fan 100.
  • a power source e.g., alternating current (AC) power source, direct current (DC) power source
  • the fan motor 140 can be operatively coupled to the fan blades 130 via the blade hub 132. In this manner, the fan motor 140 can convert the input power received from the power source into mechanical energy needed to drive rotation of the fan blades 130.
  • the fan motor 140 can be configured to drive rotation of the fan blades 130 in a first direction D1 or a second direction D2 that is different than the first direction Dl.
  • the plurality of fan blades 130 can move air in the first space 112 towards the ceiling 110 when the fan motor 140 drives rotation of the fan blades 130 in the first direction Dl. Conversely, the fan blades 130 can move air away (e.g., downward) from the ceiling 110 when the fan motor 140 drives rotation of the fan blades 130 in the second direction D2.
  • the ceiling fan 100 can include a housing 150 configured to accommodate the fan motor 140. As shown, the fan motor 140 can be positioned within a cavity 152 defined by the housing 150. In some implementations, the ceiling fan 100 can include a cover 154 that can be removably mounted to the housing 150 via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws). In some implementations, the fan motor 140 can be hidden from view when the cover 154 is mounted the housing 150 via the one or more fasteners.
  • fasteners e.g., screws
  • the ceiling fan 100 can include a downrod 160 having a first end 162 and a second end 164 spaced apart from the first end 162 along a length L of the downrod 160.
  • the first end 162 of the downrod 160 can be coupled to a support (e.g., mounting bracket) positioned within the ceiling 110 or the second space 114.
  • the second end 164 of the downrod 160 can be coupled to the housing 150. In this manner, the ceiling fan 100 can be suspended from the ceiling 110.
  • the ceiling fan 100 can include an input device 180 physically located on the ceiling fan 100.
  • the input device 180 can, in some implementations, be a pull-chain switch.
  • the input device 180 can be manipulated (e.g., pulled) by a user to control operation of the fan motor 140 of the ceiling fan 100.
  • the input device 180 can be manipulated (e.g., pulled) by a user to toggle between a plurality of modes for the fan motor 140. For instance, the user can manipulate the input device 180 to switch the fan motor 140 from a first mode in which the fan motor 140 is decoupled from a power source of the ceiling fan 100 to a second mode in which the fan motor 140 is coupled to the power source such that the fan motor 140 rotates the fan blades 130 at a first speed (e.g., low speed). As will be discussed below in more detail, the input device 180 can, in some implementations, be used to toggle between a plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • the user can manipulate the input device 180 again to switch the fan motor 140 from the second mode to a third mode in which the fan motor 140 is coupled to the power source for the ceiling fan 100 such that the fan motor 140 rotates the fan blades 130 at a second speed (e.g., medium) that is faster than the first speed (e.g., low).
  • the user can manipulate the input device 180 yet again to switch the fan motor 140 from the third mode to a fourth mode in which the fan motor 140 is coupled to the power source for the ceiling fan 100 such that the fan motor 140 rotates the fan blades at a third speed (e.g., high) that is faster than the second speed (e.g., medium).
  • the user can manipulate the input device 180 again to switch the fan motor 140 from the fourth mode to the first mode such that the fan motor 140 is no longer coupled to the power source for the ceiling fan 100.
  • the fan motor 140 can be configured in more or fewer modes.
  • the fan system 300 can include the ceiling fan 100 and a fan controller 310.
  • the fan controller 310 can include an in-wall controller 400 and a canopy controller 500.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can be positioned in a wall defining the first space 112 (FIG. 1) in which the ceiling fan 100 is located.
  • the canopy controller 500 can be positioned within the housing 150 (FIG. 2) of the ceiling fan 100
  • both the in-wall controller 400 and the canopy controller 500 can be positioned at the same location.
  • both the in-wall controller 400 and the canopy controller 500 can be positioned in the wall defining the first space 112 (FIG. 1) in which the ceiling fan 100 is located.
  • both the in-wall controller 400 and the canopy controller 500 can be positioned within the housing 150 of the ceiling fan 100.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can receive power from a power source (e.g., breaker, panel, circuit, etc.) via conductors 115 and 117.
  • Conductor 115 can be a load conductor.
  • Conductor 117 can be a neutral conductor.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can be configured to provide electrical power to the canopy controller 500 via electrical conductors 215 and 217.
  • Electrical conductor 215 can be a load conductor and conductor 217 can be a neutral conductor.
  • the canopy controller 500 can provide fan motor power 315 to the fan motor 140 (FIG. 2).
  • the in-wall controller 400 can communicate with the canopy controller 500 via a first communication link 220.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can send one or more control commands to the canopy controller 500 via the first communication link 220 to control operation of the ceiling fan 100.
  • the first communication link 220 can be a wireless communication link based on any suitable wireless communication protocol.
  • the wireless communication link can be based on the Bluetooth Low Energy wireless communication protocol.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can be in communication with one or more remote devices 600, such as one or more computing devices, user devices, servers, cloud computing devices, etc. via a second communication link 280.
  • the second communication link 280 can be a wireless communication link based on any suitable wireless communication protocol.
  • the wireless communication link can be based on the IEEE 802. 11 wireless communication protocol.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can include interface circuitry 410 configured to process and/or manage various input and output devices associated with the in-wall controller 400.
  • the interface circuitry 410 can process inputs from a user provided via buttons or other interface elements 412 (e.g., touchpad, contactless gestures, rocker buttons, toggle switches, dimmer knobs, etc.) on the in-wall controller 400. In this manner, a user can interact with the interface elements 412 to control operation of the fan motor 140 of the ceiling fan 100.
  • buttons or other interface elements 412 e.g., touchpad, contactless gestures, rocker buttons, toggle switches, dimmer knobs, etc.
  • the user can interact with the interface elements 412 to select a speed (e.g., low, medium, high) at which the fan motor 140 rotates the fan blades 130 of the ceiling fan 100.
  • the interface circuitry 410 can also include one or more drivers or other circuits used to control the illumination of indicators (e.g., LED indicators) on the in-wall controller 400.
  • the interface circuitry 410 can include an LED driver used to power LEDs 414 to provide visual indicators to a user.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can include one or more control devices 420 that can be used to implement various functionality of the in-wall controller 400, such as any of the functionality described herein.
  • the one or more control devices 420 can control the communication of data and/or control commands from the in-wall controller 400.
  • the one or more control devices 420 can control the processing of inputs received via interface circuitry 410.
  • the one or more control devices 420 can control the delivery of outputs (e.g., indicators) via the interface circuitry 410.
  • the interface circuitry 410 can form a part or be included as the one or more control devices 420.
  • the one or more control devices 420 can include one or more processors 424 and one or more memory devices 426.
  • the one or more processors 424 can be any suitable processing device, such as microprocessors, integrated circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits), field programmable gate arrays, etc. that perform operations to control components (e.g., any of the components described herein).
  • the one or memory devices 426 can be any suitable media for storing computer-readable instructions and data.
  • the one or more memory devices 426 can include random access memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static memory (SRAM) or other volatile memory.
  • the one or more memory devices can include non-volatile memory, such as ROM, PROM, EEPROM, flash memory, optical storage, magnetic storage, etc.
  • the one or more memory devices 426 can store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 424, cause the one or more processors 424 to perform operations, such as any of the operations described herein.
  • the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware.
  • the one or more memory devices 426 can also store data that can be obtained, received, accessed, written, manipulated, created, and/or stored.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can include a communication interface 470.
  • the communication interface 470 can allow for the communication of data via, for instance, one or more wireless links using one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 482 and antenna 484).
  • the communication interface 470 can include, for example, one or more of a communications controller, receiver, transceiver, transmitter, port, conductors, software, and/or hardware for communicating data.
  • the communication interface 470 can include a first circuit 472 for communicating data via antenna 482.
  • the first circuit 472 can be configured to communicate data and other information, for instance, to another fan controller using Bluetooth Low Energy communication technology.
  • the communication interface 470 can include a second circuit 474 for communicating data and other information (e.g., control commands) via antenna 484.
  • the second circuit 374 can be configured to communicate data and other information, for instance, to a router, gateway, or other device using IEEE 802.11 communication technology.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can include a power meter circuit 430 configured to determine one or more parameters associated with electrical power flowing through the in-wall controller 400.
  • the power meter circuit 430 can measure voltage and/or current flowing through conductor 115. Current can be measured, for instance, using a sense resistor. Voltage can be measured using, for instance, a voltage divider. Power flowing through the conductor 115 can be computed (e.g., using one or more processors 424 located on the in wall controller 400 and/or remote from the in-wall controller 400) based on the measured current and voltage.
  • the power meter circuit 430 can be a STPM32 metering circuitry manufactured by STMicroelectronics.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can include an AC to DC converter 440.
  • the AC to DC converter 440 can convert AC power from conductor 115 and conductor 117 to DC power suitable for powering various components of the in-wall controller 400, such as communication interface 470, control devices 420, interface circuitry 410, etc.
  • the in-wall controller 400 can include one or more switching devices 450 (e.g., relay, power transistor, contactor, thyristor, etc.) for controlling the delivery of AC power from the in-wall controller 400 to one or more electrical loads of the ceiling fan 100 via electrical conductors 215 and 217.
  • the one or more switching devices 450 can serve as an airgap switch to disconnect power from the one or more electrical loads of the ceiling fan 100.
  • the canopy controller 500 can receive AC power from the in-wall controller 400 (FIG. 5) via electrical conductors 215 and 217.
  • the canopy controller 500 can include an AC to DC converter 510.
  • the AC to DC converter 510 can be configured to convert the AC power provided via electrical conductors 215 and 217 to DC power suitable for powering various components of the canopy controller 500, such as a communication interface 520, and a fan motor controller 530.
  • the communication interface 520 can allow for the communication of data via, for instance, one or more wireless links using one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 522).
  • the communication interface 520 can include one or more components to facilitate communication with the in-wall controller 400 (FIG. 5) via the first communication link 220 (FIG. 5). In this manner, the communication interface 520 can be configured to receive one or more control commands from the in-wall controller 400.
  • the fan motor controller 530 can be configured to control operation of the fan motor 140 (FIG. 2).
  • the fan motor controller 530 can be configured to process one or more control commands received from the in-wall controller 400 (FIG. 5) and associated with controlling operation of the fan motor 140 (FIG. 2).
  • the one or more control commands can be associated with controlling a direction (e.g., first direction D1 or second direction D2) in which the fan motor 140 rotates the fan blades 130 (FIG. 1) of the ceiling fan 100.
  • the one or more control commands can be associated with controlling a speed (e.g., low, medium, high) at which the fan motor 140 rotates the fan blades 130.
  • the canopy controller 500 can include a power meter circuit 532 configured to measure one or more parameters (e.g., current, voltage, power factor, etc.) associated with the fan motor power 315 (e.g., electrical power) the fan motor 140 draws from a power source for the ceiling fan 100 (FIG. 1). Current can be measured, for instance, using a sensor resistor. Voltage can be measured using, for instance, a voltage divider. The fan motor power 315 can be computed (e.g., using one or more processors of the canopy controller 500 and/or remote from the canopy controller 500) based on the measured current and/or voltage.
  • the fan motor power 315 can be computed (e.g., using one or more processors of the canopy controller 500 and/or remote from the canopy controller 500) based on the measured current and/or voltage.
  • the fan controller 310 can include capacitors that can be selectively coupled to the fan motor 140 to adjust a speed at which the fan motor 140 rotates.
  • the fan controller 310 can include switching devices 700, 702, 704 configurable in a first or open configuration (FIG. 8) and a second or closed configuration to selectively couple the fan motor 140 to the power source (e.g., AC mains) for the ceiling fan 100 (FIG. 1).
  • the fan controller 310 can include a first capacitor 710 and a second capacitor 720 that can each be selectively coupled to the fan motor 140 via switching devices 730, 732.
  • operation of the switching devices 700, 702, 704 can be controlled to configure the fan motor 140 to operate at a desired speed setting of a plurality of speed settings (e.g., low, medium, high) for the fan motor 140.
  • a capacitance of the second capacitor 720 is different than a capacitance of the first capacitor 710. More specifically, the capacitance of the second capacitor 720 is greater than the capacitance of the first capacitor 710. In some implementations, the capacitance of the first capacitor 710 and the capacitance of the second capacitor 720 can each range from about 4 microfarads to about 8 microfarads.
  • the fan motor controller 530 can be configured to control operation of switching devices 700, 702, 704 based, at least in part, on one or more control commands associated with operating the fan motor 140 at one of the plurality of speed settings (e.g., low, medium, high) for the fan motor 140. For example, as shown in FIG.
  • operation of the switching devices 700, 702, 704 can be controlled to operate the fan motor 140 at a highest speed setting (FIG. 9) of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • operation of switching device 700 can be controlled such that switching device 700 is in the closed configuration.
  • the fan motor 140 can be coupled to the power source via switching device 700.
  • operation of switching devices 702, 704 can be controlled such that switching devices 702, 704 are each in the open configuration.
  • the first capacitor 710 and the second capacitor 720 can each be decoupled from the power source when the fan motor 140 is operating at the highest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • at least one of the first capacitor 710 and the second capacitor 720 can be coupled to the power source via switching devices 702 and 704, respectively, when the fan motor 140 is operating at speed settings other than the highest speed setting.
  • operation of the switching devices 700, 702, 704 can be controlled to operate the fan motor 140 at an intermediate speed setting (e.g., medium) of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • intermediate speed setting e.g., medium
  • operation of switching device 700 can be controlled such that switching device 700 is in the open configuration.
  • operation of switching devices 702, 704 can be controlled such that switching devices 702, 704 are each in the closed configuration.
  • the fan motor 140 can be coupled to the power source via the first capacitor 710 and the second capacitor 720 when the fan motor 140 is operating at the intermediate speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • only one of the capacitors can be coupled to the power source when the fan motor 140 is operating at a lowest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • operation of the switching devices 700, 702, 704 can be controlled to operate the fan motor 140 at the lowest setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • operation of switching devices 700, 704 can be controlled such that switching devices 700, 704 are in the open configuration.
  • operation of switching device 702 can be controlled such that switching device 702 is in the closed configuration.
  • the fan motor 140 can, in some implementations, be coupled to the power source via the first capacitor 710 when the fan motor 140 is operating at the lowest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • operation of switching device devices 700, 702 can be controlled such that switching devices 700, 702 are in the open configuration.
  • operation of switching device 704 can be controlled such that switching device 704 is in the closed configuration.
  • the fan motor 140 can, in some implementations, be coupled to the power source via the second capacitor 720 when the fan motor 140 is operating at the lowest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • the fan controller 310 can be configured determine a size of the fan motor 140 and select the first capacitor 710 or the second capacitor 720 as a selected capacitor based, at least in part, on the determined size of the fan motor 140.
  • the fan motor 140 when operating at the lowest speed setting can be improved, because the fan motor 140 is coupled to the power source via the selected capacitor (e.g., first capacitor 710 or second capacitor 720) that is selected based, at least in part, on the determined size of the fan motor 140.
  • the selected capacitor e.g., first capacitor 710 or second capacitor 720
  • the fan controller 310 can be configured to obtain, via the power meter circuit 430, 532, data indicative of electrical power the fan motor draws from a power source of the ceiling fan 100.
  • the data indicative of the electrical power can include data indicative real power and/or apparent power.
  • the data indicative of the electrical power can include one or more parameters associated with the electrical power.
  • the one or more parameters can , in some implementations, include a power factor associated with the electrical power.
  • the fan controller 310 can be further configured to determine a size of the fan motor 140 based, at least in part, on the data indicative of the electrical power.
  • the fan controller 310 can compare an amount of electrical power the fan motor 140 draws from the power source to a first range of values and a second range of values that is different than the first range of values.
  • the first range of values can be indicative of a first fan motor having a first size.
  • the second range of values can be indicative of a second fan motor having a second size that is larger than the first size.
  • the fan controller 310 determines the fan motor 140 corresponds to the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor).
  • the fan controller 310 can determine the fan motor 140 corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) when the fan controller 310 determines the amount of the electrical power the fan motor 140 draws from the power source falls within the second range of values.
  • the fan controller 310 can be further configured to select the first capacitor 710 or the second capacitor 720 as a selected capacitor based, at least in part, on the determined size of the fan motor 140. For instance, the fan controller 310 can be configured to select the first capacitor as the selected capacitor in response to the fan controller 310 determining the fan motor 140 corresponds to the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor) having the first size.
  • the first fan motor e.g., small fan motor
  • the fan controller 310 can be configured to select the second capacitor as the selected capacitor in response to the fan controller 310 determining the fan motor 140 corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) having the second size that is larger than the first size [0065]
  • the fan controller 310 can obtain data indicative of a user- request to operate the fan motor at the lowest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140.
  • the user-input can be provided via the interface elements 412 of the in-wall controller 400.
  • the user-input can be provided via the input device 180 physically located on the ceiling fan 100.
  • the user-input can be provided via a user interacting with a graphical user-interface displayed on one of the remote devices 600 communicatively coupled to the fan controller 310.
  • the fan controller 310 can be configured to couple the fan motor 140 to the power source via the selected capacitor. In this manner, operation of the fan motor 140 when operating at the lowest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor 140 can be improved, because the selected capacitor (e.g., first capacitor 710 or second capacitor 720) is selected based, at least in part, on the determined size of the fan motor 140.
  • FIG. 13 a flow diagram of a method 800 for selecting which capacitor (e.g., first capacitor and second capacitor) of a fan controller to use to couple a fan motor to a power source when the fan motor is operating at a lowest speed setting of a plurality of speed settings according to example embodiments of the present disclosure is provided.
  • the method 800 can be implemented, for instance, using the fan system 300 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5-7.
  • FIG. 13 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion.
  • the method 800 can include obtaining, by one or more control devices of the fan controller, data indicative of electrical power a fan motor of a ceiling fan draws from a power source.
  • the data can be indicative of real power and/or apparent power.
  • the data can be indicative of one or more parameters associated with the electrical power.
  • the one or more parameters can include a power factor associated with the electrical power.
  • the fan motor can be operating at a speed setting that is different than the lowest speed setting for the fan motor when the one or more control devices obtain the data indicative of the electrical power the fan motor draws from the power source.
  • the fan motor can be operating at a highest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor.
  • the fan motor can be operating at an intermediate speed setting of the plurality of speed settings for the fan motor.
  • the method 800 can include determining, by the one or more control devices, a size of the fan motor based, at least in part, on the data obtained at (802). For instance, in some implementations, the one or more control devices can compare an amount of electrical power the fan motor draws from the power source to a first range of values and a second range of values that is different than the first value or range of values to determine the size of the fan motor.
  • the first range of values can be indicative of a first fan motor having a first size.
  • the second range of values can be indicative of a second fan motor having a second size that is different (e.g., larger) than the first size.
  • the one or more control devices can determine the fan motor corresponds to the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor) having the first size. Conversely, the one or more control devices can determine the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) when the one or more control devices determine the amount of the electrical power the fan motor draws from the power source falls within the second range of values.
  • the first fan motor e.g., small fan motor
  • the second fan motor e.g., large fan motor
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the size of the fan motor based, at least in part, on one or more parameters (e.g., power factor, current, voltage, etc.) associated with the electrical power. For instance, in such implementations, the one or more control devices can be configured to compare the one or more parameters to a first range of values and a second range of values.
  • the first range of values can be associated with the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor) having the first size.
  • the second range of values can be associated with the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) having the second size.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor) when a value associated with the one or more parameters falls within the first range of values. Conversely, the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) when the value associated with the one or more parameters falls within the second range of values.
  • the first fan motor e.g., small fan motor
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to determine the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., large fan motor) when the value associated with the one or more parameters falls within the second range of values.
  • the method 800 can include selecting the first capacitor or the second capacitor as a selected capacitor based, at least in part, on the determined size of the fan motor.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to select the first capacitor as the selected capacitor when it is determined the fan motor corresponds to the first fan motor (e.g., small fan motor) having the first size.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to select the second capacitor as the selected capacitor when it is determined the fan motor corresponds to the second fan motor (e.g., larger fan motor) having the second size that is larger than the first size.
  • the method 800 can include obtaining, by the one or more control devices, data indicative of a user-request to operate the fan motor at a lowest speed setting of a plurality of speed settings for the fan motor.
  • the method 800 can proceed to (810) in response to obtaining the data indicative of the user-request to operate the fan motor at the lowest speed setting of the plurality of speed settings.
  • the method 800 can include coupling, by the one or more control devices, the fan motor to the power source via the selected capacitor (e.g., first capacitor or second capacitor) as determined at (804).
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to couple the fan motor to the power source via the first capacitor when the selected capacitor corresponds to the first capacitor.
  • the one or more control devices can be configured to couple the fan motor to the power source via the second capacitor when the selected capacitor corresponds to the second capacitor.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Control Of Positive-Displacement Air Blowers (AREA)
  • Control Of Electric Motors In General (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de commande de ventilateur pour un ventilateur de plafond. Le dispositif de commande de ventilateur comprend un ou plusieurs dispositifs de commutation configurés de façon à coupler de façon sélective le ventilateur de plafond à une source d'alimentation. Le dispositif de commande de ventilateur comprend un premier condensateur ayant une première capacité et un second condensateur ayant une seconde capacité qui est supérieure à la première capacité. Le dispositif de commande de ventilateur comprend un circuit de wattmètre et un ou plusieurs dispositifs de commande. Le ou les dispositifs de commande sont configurés de façon à obtenir, par l'intermédiaire du circuit de wattmètre, des données indicatives de la puissance électrique qu'un moteur de ventilateur du ventilateur de plafond consomme à partir de la source d'alimentation. Le ou les dispositifs de commande sont configurés de façon à déterminer une taille du moteur de ventilateur sur la base des données. Le ou les dispositifs de commande sont configurés de façon à sélectionner le premier condensateur ou le second condensateur comme condensateur sélectionné sur la base de la taille déterminée du moteur de ventilateur.
PCT/US2021/015775 2020-01-31 2021-01-29 Section de condensateur adaptative pour commande de vitesse de ventilateur WO2021155197A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202180025386.XA CN115335606A (zh) 2020-01-31 2021-01-29 用于风扇速度控制的自适应电容器部分
EP21747058.2A EP4097359A4 (fr) 2020-01-31 2021-01-29 Section de condensateur adaptative pour commande de vitesse de ventilateur

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US202062968382P 2020-01-31 2020-01-31
US62/968,382 2020-01-31

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WO2021155197A1 true WO2021155197A1 (fr) 2021-08-05

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EP (1) EP4097359A4 (fr)
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD1026003S1 (en) * 2020-11-13 2024-05-07 Hunter Fan Company Display screen with a graphical user interface
US11686317B2 (en) * 2021-07-09 2023-06-27 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Long-distance speed control system for brushless DC motor of fan

Citations (5)

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US4555654A (en) * 1984-04-26 1985-11-26 Emerson Electric Co. Means for reversing operation of a motor
US5449275A (en) * 1993-05-11 1995-09-12 Gluszek; Andrzej Controller and method for operation of electric fan
US6120262A (en) * 1998-10-07 2000-09-19 Emerson Electric Co. Electronic device control system
US20190186496A1 (en) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-20 Hubbell Incorporated Connected Fan Systems
US20190219059A1 (en) * 2018-01-12 2019-07-18 Wangs Alliance Corporation Methods and apparatus for controlling fan devices

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CN110289801B (zh) * 2019-07-17 2024-01-02 中山市力大电器有限公司 Ac吊扇电机高速挡高能效接线方法

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4555654A (en) * 1984-04-26 1985-11-26 Emerson Electric Co. Means for reversing operation of a motor
US5449275A (en) * 1993-05-11 1995-09-12 Gluszek; Andrzej Controller and method for operation of electric fan
US6120262A (en) * 1998-10-07 2000-09-19 Emerson Electric Co. Electronic device control system
US20190186496A1 (en) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-20 Hubbell Incorporated Connected Fan Systems
US20190219059A1 (en) * 2018-01-12 2019-07-18 Wangs Alliance Corporation Methods and apparatus for controlling fan devices

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See also references of EP4097359A4 *

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CN115335606A (zh) 2022-11-11
EP4097359A1 (fr) 2022-12-07
US11905961B2 (en) 2024-02-20
EP4097359A4 (fr) 2024-02-14
US20210239125A1 (en) 2021-08-05

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